Coach D, I’ve been watching football for years as an armchair QB but this is my first year coaching a 5-6 year old flag football team. Let me just say if it wasn’t for all of your UA-cam videos that I am “subscribed” to I would be totally lost and winging it! I truly appreciate all that you do because you are a motivator and I can tell that you love crushing it as a coach! Keep it up!👍
This is what we do! I’m still out in the backyard with my own kids and players learning and having fun. Glad I could pass some of that knowledge on to you and others. It’s a lot of fun when we know at least a bit about what we’re doing! Ha! 🏈🔥
I am a new coach and this video is definitely one of the better ones out there. I wish he had a blue tooth mic so you could hear a little better when he steps back.
Excellent! Thx for coaching out there. I do have age-based practice schedules and plays as part of our complete coach package if that would help. You can grab all that here: linktr.ee/flagfootballwithcoachd Excited to hear how it goes! 🏈🔥
This is a great video. Love your enthusiasm and love of the game. This is my first year as head coach and all of your videos are so informative. My son and I love watching them and learning together.
Excellent Alan! Love to hear that you are coaching and that you’re watching w your son. Outstanding! A lot of new coaches are grabbing the Complete Coach Packages to get drills, practices, plays, and templates - check it out: www.flagfootballwithcoachd.com/products/coach-ds-complete-coach-package-playbooks-drill-packs
I wish I would have found you while I was coaching for the first time this fall. I had 16 kids on my team because I was the only coach in my town lol. I'm gonna watch as much as I can for Spring 😱. Thank you for taking the time to film and post these!
This is an awesome comment. Thank you very much Ashley. I wish I knew all this my first season as well! It can be overwhelming. Let me know if I can ever help with anything specific. -Coach D
Man, you’re jazzed! Helpful video. Reaffirmed some thing I’m doing right and gave me some ideas for improvement. Coaching is a journey. I expect my boys to learn, I gotta learn too. You have some stuff to teach. Preach on!
Great to hear! Ha - we all have a lot to learn always. I’m glad to be on this journey with you. This was a fun video to make and there are tons of nuggets you can pull. If you players and you can get these fundamentals down, you’ll be well ahead of the game! 🏈🔥
Great stuff coach! Upcoming playoffs/championship this weekend (9-10) and looking to dust off some defensive fundamentals at practice this week. My offense is clicking on all cylinders (59 pts yesterday) but we give up deep passes occasionally; teams that run the double reverses, misdirections, "Philly specials," etc. are my nemesis. Biggest struggle is having them stay home in zone coverage. Thanks for the insight!
Great job with your offense! Incredible - let me know how it goes with the defense adjustments - let me know which techniques/shifts work best so I can continue to pass it on to others. Stay home kids! Stay home!!! Keep it up out there. 🔥🏈
Recently had a flag football tournament. My kids did great and we only had 7 players but next week I'll have another with 6th grade so this really does help a lot! Thank you!
So very helpful because he started with the absolute fundamentals! This stuff can be intimidating if you have no knowledge base. He really breaks it down.
Right on Coach.good stuff. My son's coach is a disciplinarian he spent a lot more time yelling than teaching and this is going to come very handy thanks again. muchas gracias
Coach, great channel, wonderful tips so far. If possible, could you put up some tips on player attributes re: positions they should play. (ie...playing to their strengths). An in depth video about this would be great. Also, a whiteboard off/def general strategy pertaining to 8v8 no blocking leagues. Thanks!
i was forced to either play flag tag or tennis at my school for two weeks. and i chose flag tag. I have no idea how to play. so im researching. Edit: I meant flag football.
I like your 4-1 formation for the run-heavy teams! Question - how do you adjust if the offense starts overloading one side of the field? Do you slide three from the line to the overloaded side, but leave one on the weak side along with your monster in the middle? Do you abandon the 4-1 altogether and go more 2-3 and shift your speedsters to the overloaded side?
Sorry for the LATE response. I keep it as is with younger kids because they could easily do a reverse or trick play and if I try to switch it up too much my players could get confused. If they do it a ton at the older levels I switch to man to man or try Husker to see which is more effective. Don't let it throw the kids, have them stick w the fundamentals and it will work out. What did you end up doing?
@@CoachD Sorry for my late, LATE response. I was coaching a 2nd-3rd grade team and we went with a 3-2 with pretty good success. The keys, as you mentioned, were putting the players in the position that best fits their skills, watching the ball for trick plays, and swarming. I had my two fastest/most athletic players at safety so they could cover as much field as quickly as possible. My smartest/most aware player in the middle over center. He would be the fastest over the line after the handoff and pulled a ton of flags just due to a slow/bobbled handoff between the opposing QB and RB or (more often) grabbing the RB's flag when they stopped their momentum to try to juke after taking the handoff. I still have to work on that with my offense - when you get the handoff, don't stop running and try to make a move!! That just gives the defense time to swarm. The outside backs to just try to keep the ball carriers funneled into the middle of the field where the safeties can help pull flags. Even though this season was canceled, I'm still working with some of the kids on running to where the ball carrier will be, not to where he was and chasing, but I figure that will come with time. Thanks again for all of the tips!
Darren Seal sorry about not answering - must have slipped through. only if you are playing on a “lopsided” field and you want to rush them to the short side. Or if you want to switch it up and blitz from different angles or sides to keep him guessing. Hope this helps.
Coach your videos are freaking great. Easily the best I’ve seen. Any chance you can do some offensive plays videos? I’m needing some plays for my 7-8 team. Have a few really good kids (2), a few good kids (3), and a few rookies (3). Thanks so much for any info!
Thanks for this video! My first year coaching and I'm coaching my son's 5th/6th grade team. I had tried a couple different defenses the last couple games and we were losing close games on the last possession. Last night we ran the 1-3-1 defense and didn't allow a first down and got our first win. They were pumped!
I like it. To me it’s similar to the Husker I discussed in the video. Depending on the age of the players it can be very effective, just switch up who will be your rusher so you are always throwing off the offense. As they get older man to man works even better when you have a mandatory rusher.
I coach all the same fundamentals as you, but I tell them to pull with two hands if at all possible (not just one). Again, keep a wide base, watch the belly button, etc...
fldash great call out. I agree w the 2 hand technique - squaring up so you can secure both flags instead of just one. Thx for sharing your insights. Keep them coming, we’re all here to learn together. Thx!
@@Leadership101withCLA I didn't mean two hands for two different flags, though that's an interesting thought. Two hands, one flag. Here's a picture of my son making a two handed pull after a INT which saved a TD: i.imgur.com/xqf5szn.png (pretty big size disparity as he just turned 7 playing in a 7-9yo division)
Great video, we keep having issues with flag pulling. What do you tell the kids on the 2-3 to do on trips setup? We get beat on misdirected throws where trips will run across the field and then the center will go opposite side.
davey12678 I like using the formation in this video: ua-cam.com/video/jHUy44i1Pog/v-deo.html and tell them to stay home in their zones to get full coverage. Otherwise the misdirection tricks them on man to man and the center breaks free. Give this a shot and let me know how it goes. There are some other good tips in here as well.
Coach D! I’m an 8U coach and I need to know what defense you recommend running in short yardage pass-only situations. Do you have any wisdom you can share?? 🙏🏼
There are a few variables - 5v5, 6v6? Rush allowed? In short passing only situations I like to lock up our gaps - 2-3 and send the rusher to block off the QBs strong side. LBs 2-3 yards off the LOS and CBs 7 yards back. If no rusher, I may go 3-2 to ensure they can’t get the quick slant or the short outs. Depending on what they have been attacking I would switch up my players so I have equal coverage of strong and weak players across the field so they can’t go after a super soft part of my defense.
@@CoachD so what I’m hearing based on my situation is 2 up front, two to three yards from LOS. How far apart? Are they more LBs or CBs? 3 deep (7 yards back) with one coming from QBs strong side. With one coming and 4 to cover the field, I want to have my spacing of the 4 covering understood if you could help me w/ that. Thank you!!
I would cut the field in half and each of the LBs (up front) will have a zone from that mid line to the sideline. The 3 CBs start out about 5-7 yards apart, then when your rusher goes in they do the same thing the LBs do and split the field. Put cones on the field when practicing and walk out the zones so they understand their assignment and where one zone ends and the other begins.
You mentioned as a DB, not to let the receiver behind you. How does this translate when running zone? As a DB, wouldn’t I let the receiver behind me after about 10 yards and this way the safety can pick him up?
It depends on the type of D you’re running. If the Safety is alone back there and I have 2 deep routes then I have to keep with the WR so they don’t get the big throw over the top.
Any tips on how to pull flags off an 11U kid with a monster spin move? Our team pulls flags great except against one kid. He has what I call a power spin move where he bends his knees, drops his shoulders and spins hard, even when cutting. Personally, I believe he flag guards many times on it due to his elbows dropping, but the refs and league officials do nothing about it despite my complaints. My thought is I have to put a strong flag puller in the middle close to the line (we have to be at least 3 yards off the ball), but I'm cognizant of the fact this team also has a strong passing game (blitz line is 10 yards and QB can run). If I load the line, we are going to get killed on pass plays.
Can’t do it alone. That’s where you start to build that “swarm” defense where every defender communicates once he has the ball and then they pursue from wherever they are on the field to stop the player together. You need to have some just get in the way while others can square up - pulling from the handle and not just reaching for flags is critical when they are moving like this. If you’re playing zone make sure to work on containment and have your fastest sibling or parent practice running through your defense (not just doing one on one flag pulling drills) but simulating what it will be like in game time when you’re out of position and you have to pursue that player as a team. Even playing red rover and creating a wall once that player has the ball can work. But it’s a team effort and has to be practice and drilled like that. You’ll get it!
I mean, you don't want the runner to "win" the sideline otherwise, they will have an open lane to the endzone. Also, when a quarterback rolls to their strong side, they are more likely to complete a pass to an open WR. You want to shut down the sideline and if you see an offense is constantly going to one side and beating you, you need to make adjustments to shut down that "strong side." Make sense?
@@CoachD I love love these tutorials! As this will be my 1st time coaching and the only female in the league talk about extra pressure 🤦🏻♀️ but I’m ready!! Thanks to your videos!
Love hearing this!!! Do your thing out there - that’s awesome. My wife has coached with me a few seasons and she is incredible. I know you’ll do amazing! Reach out anytime. Get some!! 🏈🔥
Robbie and Kayla Carter As long as they are running 60+ percent of the time, you should be good… Make sure you have your speedsters in the back with a great vision of the field in case someone gets by or they go for a post or a fly pattern on you. Also, make sure the front line is watching the ball so they are tricked...finally, no one gets behind your 2 in the back. Let me know how it goes...
RizShotz if you keep your eyes on the QB you could easily and quickly lose track of the WR. So stay in your zone and stay with the WR - if you see the WR “looking for the ball” - meaning it’s coming your way, turn and find the ball and defend it. If they leave your zone (and you trust your teammates) you can backpedal and turn back to watch the QB. Usually the QB has triggers - meaning they will do the same thing over and over (pump fake, look one way throw the other, etc). If you can pick up on those you will be able to read the QB and disrupt his/her rhythm. Hope that helps. Watch DBs & Safeties in games in zone, see how and when they make the transition from WR to QB.
Coach D, I have a question: We play in a league without blitzing. However, everyone can cross the Line of scrimmage as soon as a handoff or fake handoff has happened. What defense would you suggest for 12-13 year olds? I used to play the Husker with the middle player up front, so he could sort of rush when a handoff has taken place. However, we have been beaten by a team that played trips stack and played sweeps out of that.
Watch my most recent video with the 2-1-2 and 2-2-1 and goaline defense formations. Those may make sense for your team. Being such a solid coach of a great team, I’m confident you’ll find the right one that works, then come up with that plan B and C adjustment strategy and you’ll be set! 🏈🔥
What do you say to the boys who are concerned about a big wide receiver or a big running back running them over by jumping right in front of them and getting big
That will be charging if they just bull them over. Most runners will slow down, juke, or shift when they see a player getting big and breaking down in front of them. They can also try YELLING when they are afraid and someone is coming at them! Ahhhhhh! That will help get the fear out and startle the ball carrier just enough. It’s all about reps in practice to help them get over that. Have a sibling or parent or big player run at them one on one and have them start getting comfortable standing their ground (while being safe) and either forcing them out of bounds or in towards other players if they can’t pull the flag themselves.
Yeah, I haven't seen a lot of love for that set up. Here's a popular defense formations video where I tell you where to put the players for 7v7: ua-cam.com/video/SxS7ciqIIDo/v-deo.html You can also grab my 7v7 playbooks and defense bundles if needed: flagfootballwithcoachd.com/collections/7-on-7-flag-football-plays
my 1st time playing soon! i don’t know what to expect. i can catch and i can throw right to the person but i cant throw far. what do you think my position will be?
When a ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage and you are going for their flag you want to follow these principles to help you get big, square up, and pull the flag at the handle. When covering a wide receiver you can follow these principles: ua-cam.com/video/tA9C_ylQAX4/v-deo.html
coach, on the video "Youth Flag Football Tutorial | Defense formations That Work | Age-Based | Strategy | Tips | Coach", you show the husker formation @14 30 in the vid. that formation is different than the Husker you just showed on the whiteboard in this vid. i want to teach Husker but i need to know which formation is correct. we are getting beat on the mid to deep pass...
Go with the whiteboard version - one in the front 3 lined up in the middle and one safety. Mix up who rushes and constantly hurry that QB on their strong side. Ensure you are putting the players where they are strongest. Good question.
@@CoachD so I just found out we can't rush cross LOS in our league until the ball is handed off. So no rushing QB. We are going with a 2-3 Zone D. 2 LBS, 2 Corners and 1 Monster. Just teaching them to stay home in their zones and don't let anyone get behind them. Also will be able to press either monster up to the line or a corner to help with the short pass and run if need be. We will see how it goes
@@CoachD i ordered the complete coach package off the website im excited to get it and learn new stuff. I played tackle ball in HS but this is my first time coaching football so I'm learning. Wish me luck!
Do you have a defensive video for 6v6 10 & 11 yr olds? I'm used to 7-9 yr olds and mostly running so I'm assuming there will be more passing on this league. Thanks in advance!
I then go into detail about how to cover fast receivers in other videos - you can check those out as well - let me know if you want specific links. I put them in the Defense Playlist…
This is the whiteboard I use: www.flagfootballwithcoachd.com/collections/coach-ds-favorite-flag-football-products/products/sklz-dry-erase-coaches-board
Yes - sorry it’s taken me so long - my new defense video shares a bit about 7v7 defense. I would run the Husker with 2-3-2. Check out the details on my defense formations video and this new one: ua-cam.com/video/HVEtfTmLdMg/v-deo.html
Hey coach I have a question. Tomorrow is our tournament and I’ll have 5 players. 1 that does not want to be there at all he watches the butterflies all game. And another that prances around like Cinderella and when you try to coach him at all about anything he says he quits and goes to his parents where they condone it. Than I have 3 players that are ready to go. My question is what type of defense should I run?
Give the 2 that don’t want to be there one job on the front line - to watch the ball and get in front of the RB if it’s handed off and yell ball ball ball to slow them down. Have 2 DBs covering outside zones not fall behind the front 2 and don’t let anyone behind them. Then have your best player in the middle as the monster covering the entire field and directing traffic. Run the ball ball ball drill a few times to get your two C players used to doing their one job on D. Make it fun and celebrate small wins loudly! Fun over winning and you’ll be fine. Been there! Let me know how it goes.
Check out this video: Youth Flag Football Tutorial and Drill | Covering a Fast Wide Receiver P1 | Defensive Backs Defense ua-cam.com/video/tA9C_ylQAX4/v-deo.html At 5 yards, turn and run with them. You can also back up 5-10 yards to give a bit more padding, then contain them if they go short. You’ve got this! 🏈🔥
I’m a safety and i’m fast and I can catch but i’m not fast enough which is so annoyingg but i’m trying to learn how to play safety better and get aggressive but I don’t know how to be aggressive I-
I would watch this video on covering a fast WR - ua-cam.com/video/tA9C_ylQAX4/v-deo.html. This is part 1. Think of something you are competitive with...video games, sports, etc. and use that same energy to go after that WR who is trying to burn you. Make it personal and say "I will beat you on the treadmill" meaning, I will work harder than you, and make sure you don't burn me! You got this!! Get some!!!🏈🔥
brixforcee check out this drill to help you work on your defensive back skills. ua-cam.com/video/SZ2GmkIQ3ao/v-deo.html This will help you stay with faster players. Also, check out the agility and speed drills on my channel to increase your speed.
Great, here’s a link to grab the 6v6 Complete Coach Package. www.flagfootballwithcoachd.com/products/6v6-coach-ds-complete-coach-package-all-playbooks-drill-packs-most-popular
Hi Coach. Thanks for all the great tips. I have been setting up my defense with a Safety, A Blitzer, and three up front. We have been getting smoked on defense. A lot of it is flag pulling issues which we are working on. Should I Blitz every time? My thoughts were to have my biggest fastest kid put pressure on the other team and make them make a mistake as they rush the play. That part does work but if they get past my blitzer they score most of the time. Any suggestions? We have two games left. My safety is also one of the older kids and great at interceptions he's had two pick 6s. Thanks!
Are you using the Husker formation where you switch up who blitzes from different positions on the field to keep them guessing? If not, I can send you a video on it.
I would mix it up, if you’re playing a QB that avoid the rush every time you can either rush two Or to be safe cover in zone. And have your speedy rusher in the back making interceptions and ensuring no one is behind them. Tried for a half and see how it works mixing it up.
Depends if I have good coverage up front. If I'm confident in my line, then I'll blitz them every time. If they keep getting past my line, then I'll probably pull the monster back as a security. It also depends on the dominance of my monster...if my monster keeps missing flags when blitzing, then I'll switch up my monster or stop blitzing, but if they are able to dominate and shut down the run every time, then I'm likely to keep blitzing. Just make sure you can adjust, because if I keep shutting them down with a monster blitz, the smart offense will then bomb it over the top and score on my empty secondary...hope that helps!
Coach D, I’ve been watching football for years as an armchair QB but this is my first year coaching a 5-6 year old flag football team. Let me just say if it wasn’t for all of your UA-cam videos that I am “subscribed” to I would be totally lost and winging it! I truly appreciate all that you do because you are a motivator and I can tell that you love crushing it as a coach! Keep it up!👍
This is what we do! I’m still out in the backyard with my own kids and players learning and having fun. Glad I could pass some of that knowledge on to you and others. It’s a lot of fun when we know at least a bit about what we’re doing! Ha! 🏈🔥
using this to help out IM flag football team in college good stuff here
Thx - hope it all worked out!
I appreciate the enthusiastic, detailed, and helpful advice. I will be implementing this on this weekend.
Great Kenneth! Go for it - I used a lot of this yesterday in our practice and game with my team. It works! Come back any time w questions. Enjoy! 🏈🔥
They just threw me into the mix and made me defensive coach and it’s my sons first year playing and mine first year coaching thanks for the video
Pleasure. Enjoy it.
I’m about to start flag football and just watching this makes me excited
Yes! That’s what I’m talking about. Get some!! 🏈🔥
I am a new coach and this video is definitely one of the better ones out there. I wish he had a blue tooth mic so you could hear a little better when he steps back.
Bruce Austin I will work on that. Thank you for that feedback. 🎙
I'm about to have my very first practice tonight. So far I think these videos are going to be a huge help.
Excellent! Thx for coaching out there. I do have age-based practice schedules and plays as part of our complete coach package if that would help. You can grab all that here: linktr.ee/flagfootballwithcoachd
Excited to hear how it goes! 🏈🔥
Thanks I received the plays. Ready to get to work on these plays. Thanks ,what an assortment to choose from !!!!!
SOLID
Good Carlos - glad you liked them! 🔥🦏🏈
Here's the link to the playbook: bit.ly/3a13LOY use LAUNCH50 for 50% off until January 18th. Get some! 🔥🏈
Coupon code: LAUNCH50
I'm FIRED UP COACH!!!! First year try with my 9yr speed burner...seems much better than 30 player tackle and hardly any play time..I'm stoked.
David Martineau Get some!!! Thx for your enthusiasm!
This is awesome! I start coaching pre-k and Kinder kids this week! This video was super helpful! Thanks for posting!!
You’re very welcome! 🏈🔥
This is a great video. Love your enthusiasm and love of the game. This is my first year as head coach and all of your videos are so informative. My son and I love watching them and learning together.
Excellent Alan! Love to hear that you are coaching and that you’re watching w your son. Outstanding!
A lot of new coaches are grabbing the Complete Coach Packages to get drills, practices, plays, and templates - check it out: www.flagfootballwithcoachd.com/products/coach-ds-complete-coach-package-playbooks-drill-packs
@@CoachD I actually purchased the package and it is great. Thank you for offering this service to others, it is amazing.
Of course - happy to help and glad it’s been useful for you. 🏈🔥
my coach told me to watch this video hopfully we win our next game with this tips and tricks thank you
How did it go? Tell your coach thx! 🏈🔥
I wish I would have found you while I was coaching for the first time this fall. I had 16 kids on my team because I was the only coach in my town lol. I'm gonna watch as much as I can for Spring 😱. Thank you for taking the time to film and post these!
This is an awesome comment. Thank you very much Ashley. I wish I knew all this my first season as well! It can be overwhelming. Let me know if I can ever help with anything specific. -Coach D
@@CoachD Thank you so much 😁. I really appreciate it!
Man, you’re jazzed! Helpful video. Reaffirmed some thing I’m doing right and gave me some ideas for improvement. Coaching is a journey. I expect my boys to learn, I gotta learn too. You have some stuff to teach. Preach on!
Great to hear! Ha - we all have a lot to learn always. I’m glad to be on this journey with you. This was a fun video to make and there are tons of nuggets you can pull. If you players and you can get these fundamentals down, you’ll be well ahead of the game! 🏈🔥
Damn Coach D gets excited. I love coaches like that. Good job.
Footballer10K thanks a ton! You’ve got to get excited!! We love this game!
Been helping me so much. I gotta support 💪🏽
Yes! Glad to hear it. Thx for the support! 🏈🔥
I’m watching this about to skip school to play a tournament tomorrow. Wish me luck.
Nice! Get some out there!! Um, is that R-T? Cool! 🏈🔥
Thank you this is good because I’m starting to play
You're very welcome. Let me know how I can help out!
Love your enthusiasm. Great advice.
Thanks Gabriel - I appreciate it...glad it's helpful.
thanks coach I see you leader, regards from Mexico
Thx so much! Love visiting Mexico - tons of family there! Hola and gracias!! 🏈🔥
Great stuff coach! Upcoming playoffs/championship this weekend (9-10) and looking to dust off some defensive fundamentals at practice this week. My offense is clicking on all cylinders (59 pts yesterday) but we give up deep passes occasionally; teams that run the double reverses, misdirections, "Philly specials," etc. are my nemesis. Biggest struggle is having them stay home in zone coverage. Thanks for the insight!
Great job with your offense! Incredible - let me know how it goes with the defense adjustments - let me know which techniques/shifts work best so I can continue to pass it on to others. Stay home kids! Stay home!!! Keep it up out there. 🔥🏈
Recently had a flag football tournament. My kids did great and we only had 7 players but next week I'll have another with 6th grade so this really does help a lot! Thank you!
How did it all turn out? Sorry I didn't respond to you earlier!!
So very helpful because he started with the absolute fundamentals! This stuff can be intimidating if you have no knowledge base. He really breaks it down.
Yes - so true - I appreciate you saying this Jessica! 🏈🔥
Right on Coach.good stuff. My son's coach is a disciplinarian he spent a lot more time yelling than teaching and this is going to come very handy thanks again. muchas gracias
PITOLOCO Q-VOL'S de nada! Let me know if I can help with anything else.
Awesome video I was having trouble with defense and this helped me a lot thank you coach!!!
Perfect - glad it helped out.
Thanks Coach D! You are da” man! Thanks for sharing. I like 3-2 Defense.
Agreed! I’m a big fan as well. Thx for the comment. 🏈🔥
Bro keep being you. Thanks for the help. I needed it tonight. Lost 2 in a row
This video is awesome we just got ripped apart by a team running rpos had 2 of my best athletes out and had everyone playing out of position
This will help turn it around. You’ll get them back on track! 🏈🔥
Thank you!! Great advice! I really like the calling BALL!!!!
Timothy McConnell let me know how it works out there with your team. We love it too.
Thanks COUCH GREAT WORK WAY . LOVE YOUR POINTS💪🏾💪🏾
Glad to hear it!
Hey just want to say that these tips helped me a lot because I have tryouts tomorrow and these really helped thx so much for these amazing tips
Sierra Ramzan Glad to hear these have been helpful for you. Best of luck today, I’m sure you will crush it!
Thank you so much
0:28 seconds into the video and I already love it
Nice! A lot of good stuff in there. Hope it all helps.
Thanks John Harbaugh! 😂😂
Tim Gora anytime! 🏈🔥. Thx Tim!
Great stuff right here!!! Thank you coach!!!
Great! Glad you like it.
I like the bum rush tip gonna implement on my drill
Go for it and let me know how it goes out there. 🏈🔥
2:10 Everyday i'm shuffleing
RaimonTarou ha, nice! 🎸🔥
Still shufflin' 10 months later! Nice!
calling out ball is a very good tip
It’s been helpful for us for sure! 🏈🔥 here’s another example of that principle: ua-cam.com/users/shortspBU_YcNTWis?si=hOGGzvuASEboa-_y
Coach, great channel, wonderful tips so far. If possible, could you put up some tips on player attributes re: positions they should play. (ie...playing to their strengths). An in depth video about this would be great.
Also, a whiteboard off/def general strategy pertaining to 8v8 no blocking leagues.
Thanks!
3m4n I’ll put that in the works. Thx for reaching out.
Starting my first season in 4 days 🔥
Get some!! 🏈🔥
i was forced to either play flag tag or tennis at my school for two weeks. and i chose flag tag. I have no idea how to play. so im researching.
Edit: I meant flag football.
Vienchanh same I’m going to my try outs tomorrow
Me too
Good. I think you'll really like it.
I like your 4-1 formation for the run-heavy teams! Question - how do you adjust if the offense starts overloading one side of the field? Do you slide three from the line to the overloaded side, but leave one on the weak side along with your monster in the middle? Do you abandon the 4-1 altogether and go more 2-3 and shift your speedsters to the overloaded side?
Sorry for the LATE response. I keep it as is with younger kids because they could easily do a reverse or trick play and if I try to switch it up too much my players could get confused. If they do it a ton at the older levels I switch to man to man or try Husker to see which is more effective. Don't let it throw the kids, have them stick w the fundamentals and it will work out. What did you end up doing?
@@CoachD Sorry for my late, LATE response. I was coaching a 2nd-3rd grade team and we went with a 3-2 with pretty good success. The keys, as you mentioned, were putting the players in the position that best fits their skills, watching the ball for trick plays, and swarming. I had my two fastest/most athletic players at safety so they could cover as much field as quickly as possible. My smartest/most aware player in the middle over center. He would be the fastest over the line after the handoff and pulled a ton of flags just due to a slow/bobbled handoff between the opposing QB and RB or (more often) grabbing the RB's flag when they stopped their momentum to try to juke after taking the handoff. I still have to work on that with my offense - when you get the handoff, don't stop running and try to make a move!! That just gives the defense time to swarm. The outside backs to just try to keep the ball carriers funneled into the middle of the field where the safeties can help pull flags. Even though this season was canceled, I'm still working with some of the kids on running to where the ball carrier will be, not to where he was and chasing, but I figure that will come with time. Thanks again for all of the tips!
Can you explain why you would blitz the QB on his non dominant side? Thanks!
Darren Seal sorry about not answering - must have slipped through. only if you are playing on a “lopsided” field and you want to rush them to the short side. Or if you want to switch it up and blitz from different angles or sides to keep him guessing. Hope this helps.
Thank You
Rebound my pleasure! 🔥🏈
awesome video!
antonio rosales appreciate it!
Coach your videos are freaking great. Easily the best I’ve seen. Any chance you can do some offensive plays videos? I’m needing some plays for my 7-8 team. Have a few really good kids (2), a few good kids (3), and a few rookies (3). Thanks so much for any info!
It's been great helping you out. Let me know if I can help with anything else.
Catch Dwight is my coach for flag football
Yay! Love it!! Happy to be your coach.
Thanks for this video! My first year coaching and I'm coaching my son's 5th/6th grade team. I had tried a couple different defenses the last couple games and we were losing close games on the last possession. Last night we ran the 1-3-1 defense and didn't allow a first down and got our first win. They were pumped!
Erik Blanchard Congrats! That’s awesome-great stuff. Thanks for sharing. Get some!!
GREAT VIDEO MAN!!!!!
Thanks - I appreciate it.
Great video, thanks for taking the time and love your energy!
It's my pleasure!
great video !!!!!!
darren m dunn thx!!
Great tips
Thx!
good video
I appreciate the comment. I'll keep them coming!
Me watching this before practice. ME GETS 7 TOUCHDOWNS AT PRATICE!!!!!!
Nice - thx for sharing!!
Hey coach, I got the full playbook. Where do you cover the age specific plays that you like? Thanks.
In the exclusive video that I sent you with the playbook.
GOOD GOB COACH🤗
Love it - thx a ton!! 🏈🔥
Pull from the handle
Yes, indeed. 🏈🔥
Thank you!
No problem! Have a good day.
Pulling the handle
That’s the magic! 🏈🔥
Solid
Thx - appreciate it. 🏈🔥
we play in a 5 v 5 league, you have to have send a rusher each play by rule in this league. what are your thought on a 2-2 box defense?
I like it. To me it’s similar to the Husker I discussed in the video. Depending on the age of the players it can be very effective, just switch up who will be your rusher so you are always throwing off the offense. As they get older man to man works even better when you have a mandatory rusher.
I coach all the same fundamentals as you, but I tell them to pull with two hands if at all possible (not just one). Again, keep a wide base, watch the belly button, etc...
fldash great call out. I agree w the 2 hand technique - squaring up so you can secure both flags instead of just one. Thx for sharing your insights. Keep them coming, we’re all here to learn together. Thx!
@@Leadership101withCLA I didn't mean two hands for two different flags, though that's an interesting thought. Two hands, one flag. Here's a picture of my son making a two handed pull after a INT which saved a TD: i.imgur.com/xqf5szn.png (pretty big size disparity as he just turned 7 playing in a 7-9yo division)
This is a solid technique as well. Maybe I'll do a video and call this out and show your son's pic as reference and mention you. Would that be ok?
@@CoachD Sure thing.
Great video, we keep having issues with flag pulling. What do you tell the kids on the 2-3 to do on trips setup? We get beat on misdirected throws where trips will run across the field and then the center will go opposite side.
davey12678 I like using the formation in this video: ua-cam.com/video/jHUy44i1Pog/v-deo.html and tell them to stay home in their zones to get full coverage. Otherwise the misdirection tricks them on man to man and the center breaks free. Give this a shot and let me know how it goes. There are some other good tips in here as well.
He Coach D, do you like running the 1-3-1 formations? Coaching 4/5 for the first time. A lot more passing in the older divisions. Got smoked on Sunday
Coach D! I’m an 8U coach and I need to know what defense you recommend running in short yardage pass-only situations. Do you have any wisdom you can share?? 🙏🏼
There are a few variables - 5v5, 6v6? Rush allowed? In short passing only situations I like to lock up our gaps - 2-3 and send the rusher to block off the QBs strong side. LBs 2-3 yards off the LOS and CBs 7 yards back. If no rusher, I may go 3-2 to ensure they can’t get the quick slant or the short outs. Depending on what they have been attacking I would switch up my players so I have equal coverage of strong and weak players across the field so they can’t go after a super soft part of my defense.
@@CoachD Sorry to leave those crucial components out! We play 5 on 5 with a rusher. Thanks in advance!!
@@CoachD so what I’m hearing based on my situation is 2 up front, two to three yards from LOS. How far apart? Are they more LBs or CBs?
3 deep (7 yards back) with one coming from QBs strong side.
With one coming and 4 to cover the field, I want to have my spacing of the 4 covering understood if you could help me w/ that.
Thank you!!
I would cut the field in half and each of the LBs (up front) will have a zone from that mid line to the sideline. The 3 CBs start out about 5-7 yards apart, then when your rusher goes in they do the same thing the LBs do and split the field. Put cones on the field when practicing and walk out the zones so they understand their assignment and where one zone ends and the other begins.
We play the same.
I can’t wait!!!
Right!!
You mentioned as a DB, not to let the receiver behind you. How does this translate when running zone? As a DB, wouldn’t I let the receiver behind me after about 10 yards and this way the safety can pick him up?
It depends on the type of D you’re running. If the Safety is alone back there and I have 2 deep routes then I have to keep with the WR so they don’t get the big throw over the top.
Nice! Love your videos. 👍
I appreciate it, Emmett!
Any tips on how to pull flags off an 11U kid with a monster spin move? Our team pulls flags great except against one kid. He has what I call a power spin move where he bends his knees, drops his shoulders and spins hard, even when cutting. Personally, I believe he flag guards many times on it due to his elbows dropping, but the refs and league officials do nothing about it despite my complaints. My thought is I have to put a strong flag puller in the middle close to the line (we have to be at least 3 yards off the ball), but I'm cognizant of the fact this team also has a strong passing game (blitz line is 10 yards and QB can run). If I load the line, we are going to get killed on pass plays.
Can’t do it alone. That’s where you start to build that “swarm” defense where every defender communicates once he has the ball and then they pursue from wherever they are on the field to stop the player together. You need to have some just get in the way while others can square up - pulling from the handle and not just reaching for flags is critical when they are moving like this. If you’re playing zone make sure to work on containment and have your fastest sibling or parent practice running through your defense (not just doing one on one flag pulling drills) but simulating what it will be like in game time when you’re out of position and you have to pursue that player as a team. Even playing red rover and creating a wall once that player has the ball can work. But it’s a team effort and has to be practice and drilled like that. You’ll get it!
what do you mean block sideline and cut off their strong side?
I mean, you don't want the runner to "win" the sideline otherwise, they will have an open lane to the endzone. Also, when a quarterback rolls to their strong side, they are more likely to complete a pass to an open WR. You want to shut down the sideline and if you see an offense is constantly going to one side and beating you, you need to make adjustments to shut down that "strong side." Make sense?
@@CoachD I love love these tutorials! As this will be my 1st time coaching and the only female in the league talk about extra pressure 🤦🏻♀️ but I’m ready!! Thanks to your videos!
Love hearing this!!! Do your thing out there - that’s awesome. My wife has coached with me a few seasons and she is incredible. I know you’ll do amazing! Reach out anytime. Get some!! 🏈🔥
Will be coaching a 6-7yr old team; was planning on a 3-2 Zone Defense without rushing, just trying to trap the ball carriers at the line; thoughts?
Robbie and Kayla Carter As long as they are running 60+ percent of the time, you should be good… Make sure you have your speedsters in the back with a great vision of the field in case someone gets by or they go for a post or a fly pattern on you. Also, make sure the front line is watching the ball so they are tricked...finally, no one gets behind your 2 in the back. Let me know how it goes...
Great Video, Good Job Coach! very useful tips!
I appreciate that - thx! 🏈🔥
What if I’m in the end zone, guarding someone, do I look at the person I’m guarding or the qb?
RizShotz if you keep your eyes on the QB you could easily and quickly lose track of the WR. So stay in your zone and stay with the WR - if you see the WR “looking for the ball” - meaning it’s coming your way, turn and find the ball and defend it. If they leave your zone (and you trust your teammates) you can backpedal and turn back to watch the QB. Usually the QB has triggers - meaning they will do the same thing over and over (pump fake, look one way throw the other, etc). If you can pick up on those you will be able to read the QB and disrupt his/her rhythm. Hope that helps. Watch DBs & Safeties in games in zone, see how and when they make the transition from WR to QB.
Coach D, I have a question: We play in a league without blitzing. However, everyone can cross the Line of scrimmage as soon as a handoff or fake handoff has happened. What defense would you suggest for 12-13 year olds? I used to play the Husker with the middle player up front, so he could sort of rush when a handoff has taken place. However, we have been beaten by a team that played trips stack and played sweeps out of that.
Watch my most recent video with the 2-1-2 and 2-2-1 and goaline defense formations. Those may make sense for your team. Being such a solid coach of a great team, I’m confident you’ll find the right one that works, then come up with that plan B and C adjustment strategy and you’ll be set! 🏈🔥
Can DB’s make contact with the wide receivers like they do in regular football
bob AMAGWULA no, not in most flag leagues. Good question...thx! 🏈🔥
What do you say to the boys who are concerned about a big wide receiver or a big running back running them over by jumping right in front of them and getting big
That will be charging if they just bull them over. Most runners will slow down, juke, or shift when they see a player getting big and breaking down in front of them. They can also try YELLING when they are afraid and someone is coming at them! Ahhhhhh! That will help get the fear out and startle the ball carrier just enough. It’s all about reps in practice to help them get over that. Have a sibling or parent or big player run at them one on one and have them start getting comfortable standing their ground (while being safe) and either forcing them out of bounds or in towards other players if they can’t pull the flag themselves.
my teacher likes ur vids
Sweet! Say hi to your teacher!!
The Bill Parcells of Flag Football
Wow! What a compliment! Thx!
I can't find any videos for 7 vs 7 with 3 offensive linemen flag football... it must not be common lol
Yeah, I haven't seen a lot of love for that set up. Here's a popular defense formations video where I tell you where to put the players for 7v7: ua-cam.com/video/SxS7ciqIIDo/v-deo.html You can also grab my 7v7 playbooks and defense bundles if needed: flagfootballwithcoachd.com/collections/7-on-7-flag-football-plays
my 1st time playing soon! i don’t know what to expect. i can catch and i can throw right to the person but i cant throw far. what do you think my position will be?
That’s really up to your coach and they may do a rotation to see where your strengths come out. Keep us posted as you dive in.
If you're watching the belly then how will you know if the QB throws
the ball and how will you pick it or knock it down?
When a ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage and you are going for their flag you want to follow these principles to help you get big, square up, and pull the flag at the handle. When covering a wide receiver you can follow these principles: ua-cam.com/video/tA9C_ylQAX4/v-deo.html
@@CoachD ty bro, did not expect you to comment on a 2 year video
I’ve got your back! Reach out or comment anytime. I’ll respond. Get some out there. 🏈🔥
@@CoachD ty really appreciate it
Np!
Te aaaadoro COACH. Obrigada!!
Andressa Bezerra gracias y de nada!!
coach, on the video "Youth Flag Football Tutorial | Defense formations That Work | Age-Based | Strategy | Tips | Coach", you show the husker formation @14 30 in the vid. that formation is different than the Husker you just showed on the whiteboard in this vid. i want to teach Husker but i need to know which formation is correct. we are getting beat on the mid to deep pass...
Go with the whiteboard version - one in the front 3 lined up in the middle and one safety. Mix up who rushes and constantly hurry that QB on their strong side. Ensure you are putting the players where they are strongest. Good question.
@@CoachD so I just found out we can't rush cross LOS in our league until the ball is handed off. So no rushing QB. We are going with a 2-3 Zone D. 2 LBS, 2 Corners and 1 Monster. Just teaching them to stay home in their zones and don't let anyone get behind them. Also will be able to press either monster up to the line or a corner to help with the short pass and run if need be. We will see how it goes
@@CoachD i ordered the complete coach package off the website im excited to get it and learn new stuff. I played tackle ball in HS but this is my first time coaching football so I'm learning. Wish me luck!
Any chance you will also be doing a video on offense?
Airy Ellis No problem. You’re looking for one offense techniques video similar to this?
@@CoachD yeah, offense fundementals like this video would be very helpful
RaimonTarou ok - I will get it done!
Any apps you would recommend for offensive plays?
I like the blitzing from different angles part.
Peter Gloria I like the HD Playmaker App - super simple to use. Feel free to shoot me your email and I’ll send you my playbook in that app.
Do you have a defensive video for 6v6 10 & 11 yr olds? I'm used to 7-9 yr olds and mostly running so I'm assuming there will be more passing on this league. Thanks in advance!
Check out this video and let me know what you think: ua-cam.com/video/7sI6c3sdPAw/v-deo.html
I then go into detail about how to cover fast receivers in other videos - you can check those out as well - let me know if you want specific links. I put them in the Defense Playlist…
What kind of white board do you recommend, Coach D?
This is the whiteboard I use: www.flagfootballwithcoachd.com/collections/coach-ds-favorite-flag-football-products/products/sklz-dry-erase-coaches-board
Call "Ball ball" ... instead of what I do so far... have them call "run" or "pass" so simple, but probably very effective
I like Ball, Ball, Ball better. Here’s a video specifically about that Drill: ua-cam.com/video/09SEJ9uIGnE/v-deo.html
Can you do 7 on 7 defense
Yes - sorry it’s taken me so long - my new defense video shares a bit about 7v7 defense. I would run the Husker with 2-3-2. Check out the details on my defense formations video and this new one: ua-cam.com/video/HVEtfTmLdMg/v-deo.html
Good advice but did he say shuffle forward and back lol
Paul Michael Bassett he did 😉😎. Have fun with that one! Thx for the comment.
Need some 9V9 flag
I have up to 7v7, cool? Then you can add a few route for your other receivers or do some fakes.
What gloves are those?
James Target - Franklin brand. www.target.com/p/franklin-sports-youth-grip-rite-174-400-football-receiver-gloves-medium-large-black-gray/-/A-51954739
I got 4 5 6 but we have 9 on da field what's a good defense
Did you ever get any insight on a good defense for 9 players?
Hey coach I have a question. Tomorrow is our tournament and I’ll have 5 players. 1 that does not want to be there at all he watches the butterflies all game. And another that prances around like Cinderella and when you try to coach him at all about anything he says he quits and goes to his parents where they condone it. Than I have 3 players that are ready to go. My question is what type of defense should I run?
Give the 2 that don’t want to be there one job on the front line - to watch the ball and get in front of the RB if it’s handed off and yell ball ball ball to slow them down. Have 2 DBs covering outside zones not fall behind the front 2 and don’t let anyone behind them. Then have your best player in the middle as the monster covering the entire field and directing traffic. Run the ball ball ball drill a few times to get your two C players used to doing their one job on D. Make it fun and celebrate small wins loudly! Fun over winning and you’ll be fine. Been there! Let me know how it goes.
why i always left behind the player after back paddling i couldnt chase them
Check out this video: Youth Flag Football Tutorial and Drill | Covering a Fast Wide Receiver P1 | Defensive Backs Defense
ua-cam.com/video/tA9C_ylQAX4/v-deo.html
At 5 yards, turn and run with them. You can also back up 5-10 yards to give a bit more padding, then contain them if they go short. You’ve got this! 🏈🔥
@@CoachD ok 👍🏻
What do you suggest for 11 on 11 6 under flag?
That’s a lot of players on each side - my playbooks go up to 7v7, but you grab a playbook to see the framework, formations, schemes, routes, etc.
@@CoachD yeah we are in Texas lol its serious here full fledged 11 on 11 all around even have 11 on 11 6 u tackle teams.
I’m a safety and i’m fast and I can catch but i’m not fast enough which is so annoyingg but i’m trying to learn how to play safety better and get aggressive but I don’t know how to be aggressive I-
I would watch this video on covering a fast WR - ua-cam.com/video/tA9C_ylQAX4/v-deo.html. This is part 1. Think of something you are competitive with...video games, sports, etc. and use that same energy to go after that WR who is trying to burn you. Make it personal and say "I will beat you on the treadmill" meaning, I will work harder than you, and make sure you don't burn me! You got this!! Get some!!!🏈🔥
@@CoachD Thank youu
how do i cover somebody who is faster than me? i have a game soon and the team we are playing has kids who are very fast and im slower.
brixforcee check out this drill to help you work on your defensive back skills. ua-cam.com/video/SZ2GmkIQ3ao/v-deo.html
This will help you stay with faster players. Also, check out the agility and speed drills on my channel to increase your speed.
Our NFL club has 6v6
Great, here’s a link to grab the 6v6 Complete Coach Package. www.flagfootballwithcoachd.com/products/6v6-coach-ds-complete-coach-package-all-playbooks-drill-packs-most-popular
Hi Coach. Thanks for all the great tips. I have been setting up my defense with a Safety, A Blitzer, and three up front. We have been getting smoked on defense. A lot of it is flag pulling issues which we are working on. Should I Blitz every time? My thoughts were to have my biggest fastest kid put pressure on the other team and make them make a mistake as they rush the play. That part does work but if they get past my blitzer they score most of the time. Any suggestions? We have two games left. My safety is also one of the older kids and great at interceptions he's had two pick 6s. Thanks!
Are you using the Husker formation where you switch up who blitzes from different positions on the field to keep them guessing? If not, I can send you a video on it.
@@CoachD Hi no but I just watched on of your videos that talked about it. Is it best to Blitz every time or just play zone? Thanks!
I would mix it up, if you’re playing a QB that avoid the rush every time you can either rush two Or to be safe cover in zone. And have your speedy rusher in the back making interceptions and ensuring no one is behind them. Tried for a half and see how it works mixing it up.
Gold
I’ll take it! Thx coach!! 🏈🔥
How often would you blitz your monster on a team that's running 80% of the time?
Depends if I have good coverage up front. If I'm confident in my line, then I'll blitz them every time. If they keep getting past my line, then I'll probably pull the monster back as a security. It also depends on the dominance of my monster...if my monster keeps missing flags when blitzing, then I'll switch up my monster or stop blitzing, but if they are able to dominate and shut down the run every time, then I'm likely to keep blitzing. Just make sure you can adjust, because if I keep shutting them down with a monster blitz, the smart offense will then bomb it over the top and score on my empty secondary...hope that helps!
My coach gave me all of this advice lol! But it’s still good so nice job 👍🏻
Thanks. Smart coach! Keep coming back!